We act in the interests of the health of children and parents

The closure of children's playgrounds and football pitches is the subject of controversial debate in Jena. The crisis management team decided on this measure after the 7-day incidence of 200 was exceeded and school and daycare center closures became necessary. Prior to this, information had been received from the public that there had been large gatherings of people at various playgrounds over the weekend, with large and small people violating social distancing rules and security forces being called in. The playgrounds are usually very little frequented in winter, but when the weather is good, they are immediately overcrowded.

Even if the closure of playgrounds is a harsh cut - the city of Jena is acting in the interests of the health of children and their parents. After lengthy discussions with the state, schools and nurseries will be closed on Wednesday in order to bring the high incidence of infection in the facilities under control. From the point of view of the staff for extraordinary events, it is difficult to explain why meetings are now being moved to the playgrounds. It was necessary to act quickly here. The city asks for your understanding. Compared to the strict curfews in southern and western Europe, we still have many options here, but it is important that we all pull together and reduce contacts.

From the point of view of the health department, the situation is clear: "Children can pass on infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even if they do not usually develop symptoms. All measures must be taken to enable the health authorities to continue their work. 7-day incidences above 200 must set off alarm bells!"

Many people are upset by the measure, but we must all know that the situation is very serious - which is the only reason why the massive encroachment on the right to education - namely the school closures - can be justified. How the harsh criticism of the environment minister and the reference to the Leopoldina's recommendations came about is a mystery to the city of Jena. If the state government had not repeatedly delayed weeks and months in implementing the Leopoldina's proposals, the situation in Thuringia would probably never have deteriorated to such an extent that curfews would now be necessary.

But of course children should get out into the fresh air. Spacious parks and forests throughout the city invite children to run around and keep their distance at the same time.

In the past week, SARS-CoV-2 infections have occurred in 30 schools and daycare centers alone, both in children and teachers.

"A further reduction in contact must currently be the order of the day,"

according to the Jena crisis team. However, there is of course a prospect of a reopening. Like all other restrictions, this is constantly being discussed and evaluated in light of the current infection situation. As soon as the 7-day incidence falls below 200, the situation will be reassessed and a reopening will be discussed. Other measures such as parents wearing face masks can also be a means of ensuring that playgrounds reopen quickly. However, avoiding contact is currently not compatible with well-attended playgrounds - in the interests of everyone's health.